100 points

Antibiotic Resistance

Answer the following questions using the format used for Assignment One. Due: July 29, 2002.

What is antibiotic resistance and is it really a problem(15)

Briefly describe the mechanism by which bacteria can become resistant to antibiotics. (10)

Which two bacteria are of major concern at this time, and why? (10)

Why are sub-therapeutic levels of antibiotics fed to livestock? (10)

What practices (not just in the animal industry)  have contributed to the antibiotic resistance problem? (10)

What alternatives are there for the use of sub-therapeutic antibiotics in livestock and poultry? (10)

What effect would banning sub-therapeutic use of drugs have on the livestock and poultry industry? Cost of food? (15)

Discussion Board Topic (20 points)

Should sub-therapeutic use of antibiotics in livestock be banned?  Yes or No. Take a side, be objective,  and provide support for your arguments. 

Some Helpful Links

Poultry Fluoroquinolones

Antibiotic Resistance: Causes and Cures

Researchers Cite Link Between Sub-Therapeutic Antibiotic Dosing In Livestock And Antibiotic Resistance In Humans, Call For Regulation

Team studying bacterial resistance in poultry